Fort Worth council adopts resolution opposing Tarrant County mid‑decade redistricting

Fort Worth City Council members voted to adopt a resolution opposing the Tarrant County Commissioners Courtmid‑decade redistricting plan during their meeting; the council also voted to suspend its rules so the proposal could be considered at the meeting.

The resolution, filed as CP333, says the county—ffort was rushed, lacked transparency and public input, and risks diluting the voting power of diverse communities. Supporters said the timing was urgent because the Tarrant County Commissioners Court was scheduled to vote on new precinct maps on June 3.

The council heard public comment from residents and former officials who urged action. Andrea West, identifying herself as a Fort Worth resident, told the council she supported CP333 because the county process "goes directly against the fundamental principles of a representative republic." Former council member Anne Zeta thanked council members who brought the proposal and encouraged colleagues to back it, saying Fort Worthdid its redistricting work with an "open process." Daryl Davis, a longtime community speaker, told council, "If this council refuses to suspend the rules or votes against this resolution, it will be choosing not to stand with the people of Fort Worth."

Several council members framed their votes around process and local impacts. Council member Carlos Flores said off‑cycle redistricting "sets a bad precedent" and could "dilute the vote of diverse communities." Council member Larry Martinez said he opposed a "rushed, not transparent" process that could affect infrastructure projects and called for more public engagement. Council member Elizabeth Beck, who described Fort Worth—ity's own redistricting as a lengthy, public process that produced a diverse council, said the county plan appeared to be a partisan effort to consolidate power.

The council voted first to suspend rules to allow CP333 to be considered immediately, then voted to adopt the resolution. Speakers on both sides described legal and practical concerns; several commenters and council members noted the potential for litigation, including claims under the federal Voting Rights Act. The resolution itself is not binding on the Commissioners Court but sends an official city position ahead of the county vote.

The councilalso discussed the procedural rule change for council proposals: under current rules a CP requires four councilmember signatures to be placed on the agenda; proponents said that threshold was followed in bringing CP333 forward because of the timeline to the county vote.

The resolution passed at the meeting; council members voting in favor said they wanted Fort Worth recorded as opposing the Tarrant County plan before the county's June 3 consideration.